It must be said that as long as
Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, was alive, the emperor, restrained by
the Providence of God, abstained from molesting Alexandria and Egypt:
indeed he knew very well that the multitude of those who were attached
to Athanasius was very great; and on that account he was careful lest
the public affairs should be hazarded, by the Alexandrians, who are an
irritable race, being excited to sedition. But Athanasius, after being
engaged in so many and such severe conflicts on behalf of the church,
departed this life in the second consulate616616 371 a.d. But Jerome
Chronic. II. (ninth year of Valens), makes the consecration of
Athanasius’ successor in 373 a.d., and
hence also the death of Athanasius himself in the same year. The later
date is now universally accepted.
of Gratian and Probus, having governed that church amidst the greatest
perils forty-six years. He left as his successor Peter, a devout and
eloquent man.

616 371 a.d. But Jerome
Chronic. II. (ninth year of Valens), makes the consecration of
Athanasius’ successor in 373 a.d., and
hence also the death of Athanasius himself in the same year. The later
date is now universally accepted.